The Best Snowballs: Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe (2024)

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Add some sunshine to your winter days with these soft, buttery Lemon Snowball Cookies!

A few weeks ago, our favorite lemon company sent us a beautiful box of crisp California citrus fruits. For a food blogger, this was like celebrating Christmas early.

Nothing quite compares to the sweet lingering scent of freshly picked lemons, and now I understand why these little gems embody sunshine.

Some may argue these are Mexican Wedding Cookies, Greek Butter Cookies, or Russian Teacakes...wherever you are from or whatever you wish to call them, one thing is for certain- these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Every bite bursts with fresh lemon, hints of almond and the velvety sweetness of the confectioner's sugar.

Since it is "tis the season" of cookies, I wanted to share one of my favorites with you but remember this recipe is perfect for all year round!

This recipe makes a perfect dozen and the best part is this is a one bowl recipe- no muss, no fuss.

Reasons to Love These Cookies

1. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: With the help of confectioner's sugar, these cookies develop a delicate and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's like enjoying a sweet, crumbly cloud.
2. Delightfully Sweet: Lemon Snowball Cookies are lightly sweetened with confectioner's sugar, striking a perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
3. Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, so whether you're an experienced baker or just starting, you can create these delightful cookies with ease. These are perhaps the easiest “wedding cookie” recipe available.
4. Lemon-Lover's Delight: If you're a fan of lemon drops and the bright taste of citrus, these cookies are a must-try. They embody the essence of lemon in each bite.
5. Holiday Classics: While these cookies are delightful any time of year, Lemon Snowball Cookies are sure to become a favorite for your holiday traditions, especially if you're looking for a simple yet elegant addition to your cookie platter.
6. Classic Simplicity: These cookies are a classic tea cake recipe, harking back to simpler times when a few ingredients could create the perfect cookie.
7. Dusting of Sweetness: Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar gives them their signature "snowball" appearance, which is not only visually appealing but also adds a lovely extra layer of sweetness.

Ingredient Checklist – Simple Ingredients, Delicious Cookies

1. 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
   • Tip: I almost always opt for unsalted butter, as salt is typically used to mask imperfections. Unsalted butter also allows me to better control the salt level of my recipes.
2. 1/2 cup Confectioners’ sugar, plus more for coating
   • Tip: Superfine sugar yields a smoother texture for the cookies.
   • Note: Reserve some powdered sugar for dusting.
3. 1 egg
   • Note: This helps bind the cookies, and adds fat.
4. Lemon Juice
   • Variation: Try experimenting with lime or orange juice for unique citrus-flavored cookies.
   • Substitution: Lemon extract and lemon oil can be used as a substitution.
   • Note: As these are ultimately lemon cookies, you want to be sure to pack in the lemon flavor.
5. Lemon Zest
   • Tip: When zesting, avoid the bitter white pith and use only the outer layer for the best flavor.
6. 1/2 teaspoon Almond extract
   • Substitution: If you're not a fan of almond flavor, you can use vanilla extract for a classic twist.
7. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
   • Variation: To create a gluten-free version or enhance the nutty undertones, you can use almond flour.
   • Note: You want a firm but pliable cookie dough, which results in a buttery cookie.
8. 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
   • Tip: Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites in the cookies, creating a lighter texture.
9. 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
   • Note: Baking powder helps the cookies rise and become tender.
10. Pinch of salt
    • Tip: Plain table salt is all you need, but feel free to opt for coarse or kosher salt.

Crafting the Perfect Snowball Cookie – Tips and Tricks

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth and well-mixed cookie dough.
2. Use a Stand Mixer: While a basic electric mixer can work, a stand mixer with a large bowl and a paddle attachment makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar together. It also ensures a consistent texture throughout the dough.
3. Mix Gradually: When adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, do it gradually and mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
4. Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemons for this. Zest the lemon carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. The zest is where the lemon flavor is concentrated, so don't skimp on it.
5. Chilling the Dough: After preparing the dough, it's recommended to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
6. Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, resulting in even baking. If you don't have one, two spoons work as well.
7. Coating in Powdered Sugar: Roll the cookie dough in confectioner's sugar while it's still warm from the oven. This will help the sugar stick and give your cookies that classic "snowball" appearance.
8. Wire Rack: Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool after they've been rolled in powdered sugar. This helps any excess sugar fall away and allows the cookies to cool evenly.
9. Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
10. Plastic Wrap: When chilling the dough, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.

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These tips will help you create a batch of tasty Lemon Snowball Cookies that are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you're craving a burst of lemony sweetness.

Happy Baking!

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